Cellular Structure

• A nucleus contains chromatin (DNA) which is tightly coiled around histone proteins
• Phospholipids are amphiphilic molecules with hydrophobic tails and hydrophilic heads that form the bilayer structure of the cell membrane.
• The cell membrane is composed of phospholipids, cholesterol, proteins, and carbohydrates.
• Mitochondria produce energy through cellular respiration using oxygen and glucose.
• Golgi Apparatus modifies proteins and packages them into vesicles to be sent out of the cell.
• The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance that surrounds the nucleus, it contains organelles such as mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vacuoles, cytoskeleton and centrioles.
• Ribosomes are where protein synthesis occurs
• Proteins embedded in the cell membrane serve various functions such as transporting substances across the membrane or acting as receptors for signaling molecules.
• Ribosomes synthesize proteins from mRNA templates.
• Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials within cells.
• Mitochondria generates ATP by oxidative phosphorylation
• Ribosomes synthesize proteins from MRNA
• The Golgi apparatus processes and packages proteins for delivery
• The Nucleolus is the site of RNA synthesis and is located in the nucleus.
• The Nucleus synthesizes ribosomes
• The Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum synthesizes steroid hormones and folds proteins
• Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down cellular waste products, damaged organelles, and invading pathogens.
• Peroxisomes are small vesicles found within cells that contain enzymes involved in detoxification reactions such as breaking down toxic substances like alcohol and drugs.
• Hydrophobic means repelled by water
• Hydrophilic means attracted to water
• Histones bind DNA and are responsible for supercoiling DNA
• Cell membrane function includes: structure, protection, activation of cells, storage, and communication
• The nucleus is the control center of the cell where genetic information is stored and processed
• Lysosomes break down waste materials inside the cell
• Lysosomes are membrane bound organelles that digest molecules and substances. They can trigger cell lysis. Lysosomes clean up cells
• Peroxisomes are membrane bound organelles that aid in a variety of tasks. They can detoxify liver cells, break down lipids, and break down Hydrogen Peroxide
• Histones are proteins in the nucleus that bind DNA and help regulate its activity
• Organelle functions can be divided into four major categories: genetic control; manufacturing, distributing, and breaking down molecules; energy processing; and structural support, movement, and communication
• cytosol is a storage unit for fat, carbs, secretory vesicles, and organelles
• Cytoskeleton provides structure to the cell and helps with transport
• Microtubules are hollow tubes made from alpha-beta Tubulin dimers. They form spindle fibres during mitosis.
• Centrioles are cylindrical structures composed of microtubule triplets. They play a role in cilia formation and cell division
• Microfilaments are made from actin protein and form thin fibers
• Intermediate filaments are made from keratin or other proteins and form thicker fibers
• Intermediate filaments are long protein chains twisted together. They give strength to the cytoskeleton and hold organelles in place.
• 6 major functions of proteins include: Recognition and binding; pores or transport channels; enzymes; Cell surface markers; cell adhesion molecules; catalysts of chemical reactions
• an amphipathic molecule is one that has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic components
• The glycocalyx is the carbohydrate coating located outside of the plasma membrane that helps protect the cell from mechanical damage and gives the cell a slimy surface to assist with mobility
• A phospholipid bilayer forms when two layers of phospholipids with their polar heads facing outwards, while their nonpolar tails face inward
• Ligands are signaling molecules that bind to specific receptors on the membrane of cells or inside the cells which sends a signal into the cell to produce change